Kansas Basketball: Outside the Box with Scot Pollard
By Chris Taylor
Ever notice that interviews become redundant? Outside the Box brings a different approach. Up first, Kansas Basketball fan favorite Scot Pollard.
Kansas Basketball has had a flurry of talent come through Lawrence. Among the talent, the Jayhawks have had plenty of personality come through as well. None bigger than the personality of Scot Pollard.
The 6’11” power forward played four seasons for Kansas, including the 34-2 team in 1996-97, his senior year. Pollard was a vital piece of that team becoming a dominant defensive force, so dominant it got him drafted in the first round. Paul Pierce, Raef Lafrentz, Jaque Vaughn, Jerrod Haas and Billy Thomas were also part of that nucleus.
The Detroit Pistons drafted him 19th overall and Pollard spent 11 seasons with five different teams, including the 2008 champs, the Boston Celtics. His stats don’t jump out at you, but his effort and stingy defense continues to garnish attention today.
Perhaps better known for his humor and controversial outtakes than for his talents on the court, he has had success on the big screen as well as appearing on the hit show “Survivor”. Let’s go outside of the box.
CT: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me Scot. Have you had an eye on this seasons Jayhawks?
Scot: Always watch the Jayhawks as much as possible. This years team is frustrating at times and surprising at times. Right now they’re in the hunt for 14 in a row and that’s just unbelievably awesome.
CT: What are your thoughts on Coach Self calling his guys out recently?
Scot: Didn’t see Coach Self call out the team. But I believe in him so it was probably justified.
Bill Self has called out his teams on multiple occasions, and it usually has a positive affect. It certainly has been a season of ups and downs for Kansas. Yet they still find themselves hovering around the top ten.
CT: Is the earth flat? I expect a Scot Pollard type of response.
Scot: The earth is round because I’ve been on an airplane and seen the curvature of the earth. And, I’m not a complete moron like some other NBA players.